US: cleanup plan for Lower Duwamish Waterway released

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a proposed plan for cleanup of the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site. The release kicks off the 105-day public comment period.

JDSUPRA reports that the EPA estimates that the cleanup will cost US$305 million. Approximately 156 acres of contaminated sediments will be addressed using a combination of dredging, capping and enhanced natural recovery.

The proposed cleanup would take seven years to implement with another ten years of natural recovery to reduce contaminant levels.

Other components of the proposed plan are an environmental justice analysis and a source control strategy led by the Washington Department of Ecology to reduce sources of pollution long term.

The public comment period ends June 13, 2013. Three public meetings will be scheduled during April and May.